Your baby’s routine checkup is very important.  Well-baby visits are used  to monitor the baby’s growth and development. They  also provide an opportunity  to develop a relationship with your baby’s doctor.

It is likely that your doctor will recommend a well-baby  visit  within   three to five days after birth or shortly after you are discharged from the hospital. Other well-baby visits will be needed in a few weeks and later months for the first year. The baby’s doctor may want more checkups in some cases.

What happens at well-baby visits

Baby’s measurements :  You will need to undress your baby so that his  weight can be accurately measured. His  length will also be taken and the circumference of his  head measured. These measurements will be plotted on a growth chart to determine your baby’s growth curve. This will compare your baby’s growth to that of other kids of the same age.

Head to toe physical : Your baby will be given a thorough physical exam. The doctor will check the following during the physical.

• Head : The doctor will check the baby’s  soft spots ( fontanels ) on the baby’s head. He will also check the shape of your baby’s head.
• Ears : He will check for fluid or infection in your baby’s ears. He may also observe your baby’s response to various sounds including your voice.
• Eyes : He  will look into your baby’s eye with an instrument known as ophthalmoscope. As the baby gets older, he will  try to get your baby’s attention and check the baby’s eye movement with a flashlight or a bright object.
• Mouth :He will look for signs of oral thrush. As the baby gets older, the doctor will ask you if you’ve noticed signs of drooling or chewing. This may signs of teething.
• Skin : He will look for signs of various skin conditions such as birthmarks and rashes.
• Abdomen :  The doctor will gently press the baby’s abdomen . This is done to check for any tenderness, enlarged organs or umbilical hernia.
• Heart and lungs :  The doctor will listen to your baby’s heart and lungs with a stethoscope to detect any abnormal heart sound or rhythms or difficulty breathing.
• Hip and legs : He will move the baby’s legs to check for any dislocations and other problems with the hip joint.
• Genitalia : The doctor will inspect the baby’s genitalia for signs of tenderness, lumps or other signs of infection. The doctor may ask about vaginal discharge in the case of baby girls. For baby boys , the doctor will make sure that both testes have descended into the scrotum. He will also check if the penis is healing in the case of circumcision.

Labs are not usually needed for most wellness visits unless your baby has special needs.

Baby’s motor development :  The doctor may ask you the following questions depending on the baby’s age.

• Is the  the baby able to control his head ?
• Does the baby attempt to role over ?
• Does the baby imitate facial expressions and sounds ?
• Does the baby reach out for objects and put them in his or her mouth ?
• Does the baby sit with support ?
• Does the baby pull up in a standing position ?
• Does the baby use individual fingers to pick up small objects.

Your baby’s vaccines :  You baby will need various vaccines at wellness checkups. During the visit,  the doctor will make sure the baby gets the necessary vaccine so that he is up to date on his immunizations.

Talk to the doctor : The doctor may ask you various question about your typical day with your baby. These include the following :

• How often do you feed your baby ?
• How many hours does your baby sleep during the day ?
• How many diapers  does your baby wet or soil in a day ?
• How active is your baby ?
• Does your baby have tummy time ?
• How is your baby’s temperament ?

This is also the time to address all your concerns with the doctor. If you’re  feeling depressed or stressed, you have to let the doctor know.

NOTE

It is important to schedule your next appointment before you leave.